Programming Announced for D.C. Policy Day 2010

Future of Music Coalition event to cover issues impacting the music ecosystem; live webcast brings conversation to stakeholders worldwide

May 11, 2010

Washington, D.C.—National research, education and advocacy nonprofit Future of Music Coalition (FMC) has added programming details to its D.C. Policy Day, which takes place at New America Foundation in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

Through panels and presentations by top names in the advocacy and policymaking sphere, Policy Day programming will spotlight issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law, including FCC media policy, international intellectual property agreements, the effect of the recent health care legislation on musicians and the status of legislation that could impact the creative class. A live webcast will bring the discussion to a global audience of artists, academics, industry professionals, journalists, music fans and more.

ACTA: Treaties, Trade and Transparency
This discussion centers on the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) — a proposed multilateral trade agreement for establishing international standards on intellectual property rights enforcement among participating countries. Supporters argue that this treaty is a crucial step in protecting intellectual property from counterfeiting and unauthorized distribution in an increasingly globalized, networked world. Critics contend that ACTA threatens to impose harsh restrictions on consumers, and that it could override sovereign nations’ copyright laws. Until recently, open debate was constricted by the confidential nature of negotiations, thus fomenting many rumors about the proposed terms of the agreement.

Health Care Reform and its Impact on Musicians
A 2010 Future of Music Coalition survey found that 34 percent of the 1,400 musicians surveyed didn’t have health insurance — twice the national average. Congress has succeeded in passing a health care reform bill, but what does it mean for “real musicians” — namely, those artists and songwriters trying to make a living in a time of unprecedented economic challenge? What will the bill do to expand coverage for the creative class, and what do musicians and their advocates need to know to take advantage of new opportunities? Advocates for musicians and health insurance will join with health policy experts to discuss key elements of this landmark legislation and how they will affect musicians and songwriters.

The Open Internet, Music and Innovation
The advent of broadband changed everything we thought we knew about music — especially how recordings are distributed, promoted and accessed. While some traditional business models have been upended by the internet, the technology has been a boon to independent musicians who rely on the web to do everything from connecting with fans to booking shows to selling merchandise to collaborating with other artists. Yet some would prefer innovation on the web to be left solely to market forces, with little to no regulation to establish rules of the road for Internet Service Providers. FMC staff will provide an overview of where we’ve been and where we may be heading, followed by an interactive discussion featuring internet policy experts.

Creative Capitol: Music, Culture and Policy Under ObamaThe 2009 inauguration of Obama — plus Democratic majorities in Congress — meant a shift in the power dynamic in Washington, DC. How are creative industries faring so far in this administration? Rumor has it that music is enjoyed and revered in the White House, but these are also trying times for policymakers. Can a pro-arts agenda be balanced with pressing economic and infrastructure concerns? Does the cultural community have a role to play in recovery? What legislation will make it out of committee and onto the floor? Top staffers from the House and Senate will discuss the key music-technology-policy issues playing out on Capitol Hill, and how musicians are engaging.

About New America Foundation
The New America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States.

About Future of Music Coalition

Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that seeks a bright future for creators and listeners. FMC works towards this goal through continuous interaction with its primary constituency — musicians — and in collaboration with other creator/public interest groups. More